The month-long 23rd Chittagong International Trade Fair kicks off in the city’s Pologround today amid hartal and blockade.
“Like previous years, Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) has organised the fair with an aim to expand local products on international market,” said CCCI President Mahbubul Alam at a press conference at the CCCI office yesterday.
Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed would inaugurate the fair as chief guest while State Minister for Land Saifuzzaman Chowdhury Jabed and MA Latif MP would be present as special guests, said Md Nurul Selim, chairman of the trade fair organising committee while reading out a written speech.
A total of 400 business enterprises from home and abroad will take part. Thailand will be a partner country while traders from India, Turkestan and Iran will participate with their products.
There will be 38 pavilions and 239 stalls at the fair which will remain open from 10:00 am to 10:00 PM for visitors.
To ensure security of the fair, law enforcers will be deployed and CCTV cameras will be on at the key points.
Besides, there will be an information desk to help visitors. Standard Bank Ltd will open a temporary ATM booth inside the fair venue.
CCCI vice-president Sayed Jamal Ahmed, director Mahfujul Haque Shah and other members were also present at the press conference.